Apache Junction: Wild West Charm & Outdoor Adventure

Spanning over 320 acres, the Lost Dutchman State Park in Arizona was founded in 1977 and has been a popular choice with Apache Junctions visitors and residents who enjoy hiking, camping, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities. The hiking trails are suitable for all levels of hikers, beginners or advanced, and can take you through the native plant garden or to the Flatiron.

There are several events and programs held at the park throughout the year such as the early morning ‘Salute to the Sun Hike’ and going ‘Desert Scorpion Hunting’ in the dark of the night. Wildlife that you may come across while you’re there include javelina, jackrabbits, coyotes, and mule deer.

6109 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, Phone: 480-982-4485

There’s no larger collection of Wild West movie memorabilia than at the Superstition Mountain Museum. You’ll find the museum at the foot of the Superstition Mountain range right in the middle of the Arizona desert.

In the museum, you’ll see several old movie sets, horse-drawn buggies, mannequins, and even a couple of full-sized dioramas.

Other aspects include a taxidermy display of native wildlife, several artifacts from the Lost Dutchman’s Mine, and the nearby Elvis Chapel, which is on the site of where Elvis Presley’s movie “Charro!” was filmed. Their gift shop is filled with tons of little souvenirs you can buy for yourself or friends back home.

4087 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, Phone: 480-983-4888

Based in Goldfield Ghost Town, the historic Apache Trail Tours will take you on a guided journey through Arizona’s deserts and canyons.

Be sure to take your camera as you will see some stunning views of your surroundings and learn a lot about the land from your expert tour guide.

Tours end with a trip to the Old West; in Goldfield Ghost Town you’ll be able to take part in several unique activities, buy souvenirs from the western shops, and enjoy the delicious cuisine in their many eateries. Take your best shot at the shooting gallery, take an old-time photo with costume and all, or strut your stuff with an authentic cowboy hat.

4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, Phone: 480-983-0333

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Though it’s easy to pass Silly Mountain Park and miss it, do not overlook this amazing opportunity to explore Apache Junction’s flora and fauna in all its magnificence.

The trail is single track and is wonderful for hiking as well as mountain biking - some of the sections are smooth and flowy while others are tight and twisty, giving you the perfect combination for an outdoor adventure. There are several trails to choose from such as the Palo Verde, the Brittle Brush, Superstition View, Jackrabbit, Coyote Loop, Old Baldy, and Old Mine, which is better for more experienced hikers and bikers as it has a few steep drops.

Highway US 60 & Silly Mountain Road, Apache Junctions, AZ

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

The Siphon Draw Trail is named after its ability to ‘siphon’ water off of a large area on Superstition Mountain. A walk on the trail will take your through the discovery trail and to a polished slick-rock waterfall, which marks the end of the trail and lets your return the same way you went.

The hike is less than two miles and goes through the Lost Dutchman State Park, Tonto National Forest, and the Superstition Wilderness Area.

There’s a lot of history surrounding Siphon Draw Trail, much of which you can learn about at the Visitor Center. There are a lot of picnic tables surrounding the area, so you can bring a basket with you to enjoy lunch. Several of the strategically placed bird feeders and water ponds will attract flora and fauna for you to see while you’re there. A 35-minute day trip from Scottsdale, Siphon Draw Trail is a fun experience.

Sitting on an old mining site in Superstition Mountains (video), the Mammoth Mine Rock Shop has been around for over fifteen years and has one of the largest collections of worldwide minerals and rocks. It is owned and operated by Ron Feldman, who came to Arizona in 1968 because of his interest in western mythology and lost gold mines and has become an authority on the subject over the years. There are hundreds of handpicked minerals, crystals, rocks, and fossil specimens for you to browse and purchase at the shop - you’ll be able to see some unique fossils such as dinosaur bones while you’re there.

5470 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, Phone: 480-773-4311

Where to Eat:

Los Gringos Locos is a Mexican grill and cantina that is a fresh, friendly, and festive place to dine. The servers are friendly and professional and will be able to suggest a delicious dish for you to enjoy based on your likes and tastes. The restaurant has been around for over fifteen years, feeding its patrons with delicious, healthy cuisine; popular items from their menu include their taquito or nacho special appetizers. You can build your own quesadilla with a combination of meats, veggies, and cheese, have a chimichanga topped with sour cream or guacamole, or enjoy a refreshing fajita salad.

280 S Phelps Dr, Apache Junction, AZ 85120, Phone: 480-288-5626

Focusing on good food, good friends, and good times, Dirtwater Springs is a beautifully rustic restaurant that locals and visitors head to enjoy delicious food. It’s extremely nostalgic with its brass bar fixtures, plank floors, and hundreds of antiquities and decor scattered throughout the place - you’ll really see a piece of South West history if you take the time to explore. Their menu includes appetizers, sandwiches, steak, and Chuck Wagon favorites such as fried chicken, grilled pork chops, barbecued ribs, and jumbo fried shrimp. They have a South of the Border menu which gives patrons additional dining options like burritos, chimichangas, tacos, enchiladas, and homemade chili.

586 Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85120, Phone: 480-983-3478